Nigeria's Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged N80 billion fraud.

He was suspended by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday.

In a letter dated May 18, 2022, the minister said the suspension “without pay” was to allow for “proper and unhindered investigation” in line with public service rules.

On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission announced the arrest of Idris over alleged diversion and laundering of N80 billion.

Head of Media and Public Information, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, stated that verified intelligence reports showed that Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

Uwujaren added that the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and in Abuja.

He explained that Idris was arrested after he failed to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.